When the doctor said you needed a booster shot, it made you wince.

You’re all grown up and you know that a vaccine is nothing but a poke, a sting, and lots of protection. No big deal.

So why is there a little kid part of you that wants to wail when the needle approaches your arm (or worse)?

Few people ask for shots, but if you’ve ever been treated for hemophilia, leukemia, the flu, Parkinson’s disease, an STD, lactose intolerance, appendicitis or dozens of other illnesses, you owe big thanks to one woman who never volunteered to help you. Read more in “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot.

by J.L. Martello

Legendary jazz/R&B musician Roy Ayers had Pittsburgh on its feet when he performed at Car­negie Music Hall in Oakland, Sept. 17. Other acts were ’70s jazz giant Tom Brown, local comedian Mr. David “FROG” Bey, and the singing group, Artistry.

ROY AYERS (Photos by J.L. Martello)

As emcee, FROG kept the crowd laughing, cracking jokes as he introduced each act. Opening up the music was a local all-male singing group Artistry, who captivated the crowd with songs from the ’50s through today. Then came legendary jazz trumpeter Tom Brown, who mesmerized the audience with several electrifying sounds from his horn. Carnegie Music Hall was filled with enthusiasm as Roy took the stage.

Two years ago my husband was hurt in an auto accident and received a large financial settlement. After his recuperation he returned to work. However, shortly after that, his company closed. I wasn’t disturbed about it at that time. My husband and I had agreed for him to pay off our house mortgage with the settlement money.

Actress, singer, composer Holly Joy Gaines has come back home to Pittsburgh after being away for more than a decade acting, modeling and singing in New York City and Los Angeles. We caught up with her in between gigs.

HOLLY JOY GAINES

Some might remember Gaines from her days at CAPA or Penn Hills High School. Perhaps you saw her in the “Velveteen Rabbit” when she was in seventh grade. She’s all grown up and very busy. We had an opportunity to pose a dozen questions to Gaines about her life.